A Climatological Estimate of Precipitation for the World Ocean

Abstract

Climatological estimates of mean annual precipitation over the world ocean are presented and discussed. We obtained a value for mean annual oceanic precipitation (between 65°N and 60°S) of 93 cm, which is smaller than some other estimates. These results are supported by a recent analysis of tropical rainfall based on satellite techniques. Aspects of the need for and utility of climatological information are discussed.